Hi everyone! I apologize for the long wait! School and work kept me busy, but I'm glad you liked the last chapter! As you can see, Sonic encountered Mephiles & Infinite, along with a new ally they have called Zen. He is one of my O.C.'s, and you'll learn more about him soon! Hope you all like part 2!
The sound of a heart monitor beeping echoed in the room, along with the IV pump machine running and an oxygen mask turned on. A blue hedgehog laid on the hospital bed unconscious with the sheets tucked under his chin, wearing a hospital gown and white bandages wrapped around his neck. He wasn't alone as there were two other occupants in the room.
Tails sat on the chair scooted close to the bed, holding his brother's hand with a worried expression. Knuckles stood near the wall with his arms folded over his chest, as his eyes remained closed, and his lips stretched into a thin line. It's been 2 days since the incident, and Sonic still hasn't awakened yet. The doctors had to wheel him into surgery to find the source of the bleeding, and they were lucky enough to find the source and stop it.
Unfortunately, the source of the bleeding came from his vocal cords, so it can take months for them to heal. Because of that, Sonic won't be able to talk that much until his throat is fully healed. All they can do now is wait until he wakes up, and check if he is able to breathe on his own or not.
Tails wouldn't leave the hospital, wanting to stay by his big brother's side until he sees him wake up. Knuckles would sometimes come just to make sure the kit had proper rest, nutrition, and hydration. Amy & Cream would always come over with fresh flowers, get-well cards, and some homemade treats to cheer everyone up, hoping the scent would awaken their friend.
Team Chaotix heard the news, promising that once they finish with their case, they will assist them in figuring out what happened to Sonic. Rouge heard from Amy on what happened to Sonic, and informed her that they will be there soon to provide comfort once they complete their mission. As for right now, all they can do is wait and hope their friend will wake up soon.
A knock was heard on their door, causing Tails & Knuckles to turn their heads as they saw Amy enter the room. Quietly closing the door behind her, she went over to the vase on the table, adding a few more tulips to match the other ones still in bloom. "Any progress yet?"
Tails sadly shook his head. "Nothing yet. He still hasn't woken up."
"What did the doctor or nurse say?"
Knuckles sighed, eyes glancing over to Amy's. "Rest can help him heal, along with keeping his body healthy and stabilized. He must wake up on his own."
Amy frowned a little, going over to the other side of the bed as she gently placed her hand on Sonic's head. "I know he will. Sonic can overcome anything." She then noticed something sticking out from his blanket, pulling it down to reveal the guitar necklace. "I still can't figure out where this necklace came from?"
"Me neither. The doctors were perplexed on why it couldn't be removed from him. Even I was shocked that it appeared out of nowhere," Tails said.
Knuckles uncrossed his arms. "Wherever it came from, we'll know the answer from Sonic. For now, we should all go back home and get some rest. Dusk is approaching as we speak."
He raised his gloved hand up to stop Tails from speaking. "The nurse mentioned you can't spend the night here again due to staying up late so much. I'll return you back home and make sure you actually get some sleep. Remember, your health is important and at your age, your body must grow well."
Sighing that he can't argue with Knuckles about it, Tails nodded his head, squeezing Sonic's hand tightly as he remained seated near his brother, hoping that when tomorrow comes, Sonic will open his eyes and tell them what had happened on that day.
The stars scattered across the dark sky, glittering like diamonds as the full moon shined brightly on the city's inhabitants who are either awake or asleep. At the hospital, the only ones awake are the night shift nurses, doctors, custodians, and the patients who are taking their nightly medications before they sleep.
In the patient room where Sonic is still resting, a black portal appeared, and out stepped a certain male gray hedgehog with icy blue eyes. The portal vanished behind him, as he quietly approached the slumbering blue hedgehog. Stopping next to his bed, Zen pulled the covers down until it revealed a silver medallion necklace shaped like a guitar, sparkling from the light.
He then slowly raised his hands up in surrender, feeling something pressed against the back of his head. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
"State your name and business here."
Zen slowly turned his head. "Shadow the Hedgehog, created by Dr. Gerald Robotnik and friend to his granddaughter Maria Robotnik."
Shadow's glare turned dark, pressing the barrel of his gun firmly against the back of Zen's head. "This is your final warning. Who are you and what do you want with the blue hedgehog?"
"He is right. You two do share an uncanny resemblance, except you have a mouth and he does not."
"I don't have time for your babbling. Answer me at once!"
"You can call me Zen. As for my business with Sonic, it doesn't concern you."
He then vanished in a foggy mist, surprising Shadow who tried to stop him but was too late. Snarling in anger, he checked his surroundings once more, no longer sensing the odd presence in the room or anywhere in the hospital.
Letting out a small hmph, Shadow looked over at Sonic, who had no idea what was going on around him. "Faker, why must you always attract trouble wherever you go? For once, stop being a magnet for danger. It's giving me a headache."
Placing his gun back in his quills, Shadow used chaos control to teleport onto the rooftop. Folding his arms over his chest, he tilted his head up to gaze at the full moon and stars, wondering who that mysterious grey hedgehog Zen is, and what his business with Sonic is. Whatever it is, Shadow won't stop until he gets his answer.
"Council of Four."
Huh? Who said that?
"The Council of Four must unite."
Wait? The Oracle of Delphius? What's he doing here?
"You must reunite with your mother and siblings, my prince. They need your help."
His mom and siblings? Wait, did he meant by Queen Aleena, Sonia, and Manic?
"You are the final key needed for them. If you get captured, our worlds are doomed!"
Worlds? As in more than one?
"Sonic!"
He gasped, as he saw a female fuchsia hedgehog and light green male hedgehog appear in front of him. Then, another figure materialized behind them, revealing a tall female purple hedgehog wearing garments fit for a queen.
"Mom? Sonia? Manic?"
His eyes suddenly shot open, quickly sitting up from the bed as he panted heavily. The same dream happened again. Only this time, the Oracle of Delphius was able to speak to him clearly. Controlling his breathing patterns, he felt himself calm down as he breathed out a sigh of relief, picking up a cup of water resting on his nightstand and drank some to relieve his parched throat.
It's been days ever since he woke up and was released from the hospital. Who knew getting his voice stolen can result in heavy damage to his throat? Luckily, it wasn't too serious, but he still can't talk. He could only communicate through writing, sign language, picture boards, drawings, or anything that's easier for him and his friends.
They were stunned when Sonic wrote that he encountered Mephiles & Infinite, both of them somehow returning from the dead. Not only that, but they are also working with a new ally who calls himself Zen, and they used a strange ability to steal his voice, rendering him unable to speak.
Sonic didn't tell his friends that Zen knew of who he is along with his mother and siblings. His past is something he isn't ready to talk about with them yet. There were questions about his silver medallion, and he had to make up a lie that it was the first time he had seen it. Knuckles didn't believe it, but knew the real reason on why he had to lie about it, since the both of them have memories of what the past is like before everything had changed.
Holding the silver medallion guitar necklace on the palm of his hand, Sonic's expression turned sad, remembering seeing his family in his dreams. He and his siblings never stopped looking for their mother, and just when they were about to get an important clue on her whereabouts, something major caused them to get separated.
He wasn't sure how it actually happened, but there was a huge flash of light, and he ended up in a world different from Mobotropolis. Not only that, his enemy Dr. Robotnik changed his last name to Dr. Eggman, which suited him better and he definitely looked like a giant rotten egg after the flash changed his appearance.
Though what's strange is that Eggman has no prior memories of Robotropolis, the royal family, or Sleet & Dingo. Whatever happened caused him to lose all his memories of the past, but he still has his evil persona as a villain. Either way, he's not that tough to defeat, and Sonic was glad Eggman still had the flu while he was unconscious.
But right now, Sonic has to take it easy and be really careful since he just got out of the hospital. He still can't talk, and can only communicate through writing or drawing on a white board he was given by Tails. However, he's been learning some sign language thanks to Gadget, whom Tails called to come over and teach him since Gadget knew how to sign before he was able to speak. It did help, and he can use it for those who are deaf or mute in the community.
"Sonic!" he heard his brother knocking on the door. "Are you awake yet!?"
Sonic knocked on his nightstand, indicating he is. Tails opened the door, happy to see his brother awake. "It's a good thing you are. Cream and her mom invited us over for breakfast." Tails licked his lips at the thought. "I hope its pancakes. They always make them feel light and fluffy, along with the toppings, whip cream-
Tails continued to list on why their pancakes are amazing, along with the possible ingredients as Sonic smiled at his brother. He couldn't laugh since his vocal cords need to rest, and he no longer had to wear the bandages around his neck since there is no more scarring or bleeding. For now, he'll have to figure out a way to manage without talking, just like before when he first met Tails.
"We better get there quick before all the good toppings are taken! Let's ride on the Tornado!"
Hurrying over to his brother, Tails grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the bed. Sonic quickly put his socks and shoes on before they left, sped over to where the Tornado is, and were already in the air with Tails piloting while Sonic sat behind him as a passenger. As he felt the wind blowing against him, he gazed at the clouds, seeing them form into shapes that reminded him of his brother and sister. Someday, they'll reunite again. But the first thing he must do is find Zen and make him tell Sonic on how he knew about his past and where his family is.
"Have this, Sonic," Amy handed him a red cup. "It's my special chamomile tea infused with lemon, ginger, and honey. I squeezed some berry juice in there for flavor, so it should help your aching throat."
Signing the word thank you with his hand, Sonic took a sip of the drink. He then drank some more, really liking the flavor. Plus, the warm tea is soothing his throat, so this can help prevent him from getting a sore throat or illness. Once he finished, he gave her a thumbs up, causing her to happily squeal as she gave him a huge hug.
"I'm happy you liked it! I'll remember to make some more!" Amy broke apart from the hug, smiling widely. "Now then, will your throat be able to tolerate having solid foods?"
Sonic nodded, getting the whiteboard out and writing down his answer. He showed it to Amy, who then nodded. "That's good to hear. Miss Vanilla's pancakes are soft and light, so it shouldn't give you any problems."
"And they're super delicious! Mama always makes them with love!" Cream appeared, holding a plate of pancakes drenched in syrup, fruit, whip cream, and toppings. "Try mine, Mr. Sonic! It's really good!"
Cutting a small piece with her fork, she held the piece of pancake out to Sonic. "Say aah!"
Ignoring Amy's squeals at how adorable it was, Sonic shrugged as he leaned down and took a bite from Cream's fork, hearing a louder squeal along with a camera flash. Chewing on the delicious pancake he was given, Sonic signed 'thank you' to Cream, who giggled and did the same way Sonic did, since it can also mean 'you're welcome'.
"I'm glad you're feeling so much better now, Mr. Sonic! I do hope that your voice comes back again!" Cream patted his arm. "If you'd like, I can ask mama to make her special tea to help get your voice back. It worked for me when I had trouble speaking."
Sonic patted her head, then wrote down his answer and showed the whiteboard to Cream, who happily nodded her head. "I'll tell mama right away!"
"And I'll be making copies of this photo! It's so cute!" Amy gushed at the picture she took of Cream feeding Sonic.
As Cream rushed back into the kitchen while Amy went into the office where the printer is, Sonic looked around, seeing nearly everyone here at Cream's home. Vector was in the kitchen with Vanilla and Emerl, offering to help them since he wanted to be a good host and score some brownie points with Vanilla. Espio chose to sit on the couch, already done with his pancakes as he watched Charmy & Tails eating theirs while playing a board game.
Amy had been here earlier helping in the kitchen with Vanilla & Emerl, Knuckles is finishing up his pancakes that had a lot of grapes on them, Big and Froggy were enjoying their pancakes outside while fishing near the pond in the backyard, and Sonic already ate his earlier since it was already proven that he is able to eat solid food.
He felt a hand on his shoulder, causing him to turn his head to see it was his friend Knuckles. He had a firm expression on his face, but his eyes were filled with worry. "You okay?"
Sonic raised his eyebrow, and nodded his head. Knuckles sighed, shaking his head as he pointed to the silver medallion necklace hung around Sonic's neck. "Are you certain he was the one who gave this to you?"
Sonic nodded his head firmly, signaling yes.
"And he knew about them?"
He nodded again.
Knuckles frowned, folding his arms over his chest. "Not only that, Mephiles & Infinite probably knew about them from Zen." He nearly snarled, but regained his composure. "This isn't good. Whatever they're after, its bringing back memories of the past that can never be unveiled. No one can ever know about this, especially Dr. Eggman."
Sonic agreed, not wanting Dr. Eggman to remember his former life as Dr. Robotnik before the explosion happened. He held the medallion in his hand, gazing at his guitar-shaped silver medallion held by a red string. He thought he lost the silver medallion for good after he ended up in a different world, but Zen was able to find it. Sonic isn't sure why Zen gave it back to him nor kept it, but he did remember that he'll need it the next time they cross paths.
Luckily, the medallion is able to transform into his electric guitar, and the instrument remained the same along with its colors. However, he couldn't bring himself to play it since it held too many memories of his time in Sonic Underground. For now, he'll wait until he's ready to use the guitar again.
"Did he ever tell you about where they could be?"
Sonic shook his head no.
"You mentioned before he'll possibly come back. Let me know if you get any more information on where you'll find him," Knuckles punched his fist against the open palm of his hand. "I have some questions for him, and he better answer them honestly before I get mad."
Sonic wrote down something on his whiteboard, then showed it to Knuckles.
Knuckles read it, then hmphed as he looked away and gave it back. "Of course I'm concerned. Sonia & Manic are also part of my family." He then turned back to glare at Sonic. "Also, I did not have a crush on her. I was being a good friend to Sonia."
Sonic smirked, not believing his answer as he saw Knuckles' cheeks lightly turning pink. Once he gets his voice back, he'll have fun teasing his friend about the small crush he harbored on Sonia, and whom he will have to pick: Sonia or Rouge?
"Oh my~ Knuckles the Echidna blushing?~ I gotta take a picture and place it in the album~"
Knuckles growled, glaring at the smirking bat approaching them. "Don't even think about it, bat!"
Rouge snickered, then waved at Sonic. "Hey there, blue~ Is your throat getting better?~"
Sonic nodded yes.
"Glad to hear it. I know your voice will return soon, hun. It takes time for your vocal cords to heal well."
Shadow, who was also here while Omega is busy playing the boardgame with Charmy & Tails, rolled his eyes. "Besides the fact that it's weird not hearing the Faker talk, I still don't get what that gray hedgehog wants with him?" He then glanced at Sonic. "Mind sharing why he would go after you?"
Sonic erased his whiteboard, wrote down an answer, and showed it to Shadow.
Shadow read it. "Revenge from Mephiles & Infinite?" He scoffed. "Those fools vanquished a long time ago. There's no way they could be back."
Sonic shook his head, erasing the board and writing down another answer.
"I need proof that they truly have returned. You being the only witness cannot count since none of us have seen them."
Sonic glared at him, then wrote down Zen's name on the board and held it out to him.
"I have seen the gray hedgehog who called himself Zen. Apparently, he ended up in the hospital looking for you while you were unconscious. Thankfully, I was able to sense him during my nightly patrols and stopped him before he could do something to you."
"What!?" Knuckles yelled in disbelief. "You actually saw him!?"
"We're still reviewing the video evidence from the hospital, so we didn't say anything until we were sure," Rouge explained.
Shadow agreed. "Unfortunately, I failed to capture him when he escaped my grasp by vanishing into a foggy mist." He then gazed at the silver medallion necklace. "I did recall he was looking at your necklace. What's so special about it?"
He took a step forward and reached his hand out to touch it, but something struck his finger that caused him to pull his hand back. Shadow's eyes widened a bit, then he looked back up at Sonic with his hands clenched into a fist. "Sonic, answer me truthfully. Do you know why Zen gave you that necklace?"
Knuckles held his arm out to shield Sonic. "He's not gonna answer that."
Shadow glared at him. "I wasn't speaking to you."
"I'm answering for him. He doesn't know much about the necklace except for the fact Zen gave it to him."
"Then why did he gave it to Sonic? Is it even an ordinary necklace?"
"It's something none of us can answer."
"You're lying. You two obviously know something!"
Rouge held her hands out. "Easy, boys. There's no need to start a fight. Remember, we're here as guests to have some delicious pancakes made by the little rabbit and her mother. Remember, we must remain as good hosts."
Sonic agreed with her, placing his hand on Knuckles's shoulder to reassure him that its fine and not to worry. Both the red echidna and black hedgehog stepped away from each other, but they continued to glare at one another as they hmphed and looked away. Glad that the tension had decreased, Rouge glanced over at Sonic. "Hey blue, I heard from your little brother that you can play the guitar, right?"
Her answer is a yes on the whiteboard.
"Then you won't mind coming over to my club this Saturday night and perform? I have a band who needs a guitarist that can play rock and roll."
Before Sonic could give her an answer, there was a loud knock on the door. Emerl was the first to come out of the kitchen and head over to the door, opening it to reveal nothing. Looking around, he noticed something on the ground where the welcome mat, indicating it was a box. Picking it up with ease, he went back inside after closing the door behind him. "Package for Sonic the Hedgehog!"
Sonic quirked his eyebrow in confusion, along with the others as Emerl handed him the package. Why would a package meant for him be delivered to Cream and Vanilla's home? Usually, his mail and packages are delivered to Tails' home since no one knew where Sonic's current address is. And mostly for safety precautions since Sonic prefers his privacy instead of the nosy reporters and fans who stalk him.
"Let me check first, Sonic! It could be a trap from Eggman!" Tails brought his device out, revealing a metal detector wand upgraded to indicate which item is safe or not. He moved the device around the package, checking every corner until he was finished. "I don't hear any beeping, so it must be safe."
"And if it's not?" Knuckles questioned.
"Then we must prepare!" Tails held his wrench out.
Placing the box on the table, Sonic carefully removed the tape, and lifted the flaps to reveal another box inside. But when Sonic picked it up, he realized it was a brown rectangular music box. There were music symbols carved on it, and attached to the side is a handle where he can move it into a circle.
He placed the rectangular brown box on the palm of his hand since it felt light, then moved the handle around in a circle as music started to play. When he did that, the lid lifted itself open, and Sonic's eyes widened as a small gasp escaped his lips, hearing a familiar tune from the box along with what's inside.
The top of the lid for the inner part is painted black, but there were 3 twinkling stars on it. Each were painted in pink, blue, and green. The inner part of the bottom box showed a stage with 3 small figurines resembling hedgehogs. Sonic knew who they looked like, as they each were playing their respective instruments. Not only that, but the figurines also resembled what they were like a long time ago before they were separated.
~They made a vow their mother will be found!~
Suddenly, the top of the lid where the twinkling stars were changed its image, revealing a beautiful female purple hedgehog with long dark purple hair, light blue eyes, peach muzzle, a white dress with a yellow cape attached to the back of her neck, a golden belt wrapped around her waist with a pink pendant on it, and a golden crown with an oval shaped orange jewel at the center.
Sonic didn't remember what happened next, but he remembered his legs giving out, and someone caught him. The faint smell of lavender invaded his nostrils, and it was the last thing he remembered before everything turned dark.
Another cliffhanger! I bet you're all excited about this one-shot! Also, I realized a couple chapters ago that I promised you a Mafia AU, and I forgot about it until after I uploaded this chapter! Leave some reviews and comments if you want another part of this one-shot or the Mafia AU. Remember to do that, and I'll upload again! Remember, review and comment your answer to me!
